JBL PartyBox Encore 2 vs Club 120: which should you choose for home karaoke?

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JBL PartyBox Encore 2 vs Club 120: which should you choose for home karaoke?

For home karaoke, choose the speaker together with the microphones and music source. Encore 2 and Club 120 can both do the job, but the former is considerably more compact while the latter needs more space and separate attention to accessories. This comparison covers Encore 2, without “Essential” in its name.

JBL Partybox Encore 2

JBL Partybox Encore 2

JBL Partybox Club 120

JBL Partybox Club 120

Photos from WaveSound and manufacturers; models are not shown to the same scale.

Comparison and checks

Scroll sideways to see the full table →

FeaturePartyBox Encore 2PartyBox Club 120
JBL-rated output100 W RMS160 W
Weight6.4 kg11.05 kg
Dimensions W × H × D31.95 × 33.86 × 26.3 cm28.8 × 57 × 29.7 cm
Claimed battery life, up to15 hours12 hours
MicrophonesVersions with 1 or 2 microphonesNot in the standard package
AppJBL PartyBoxJBL PartyBox
Speaker linkingAuracastAuracast
ProtectionIPX4IPX4

What is included: one microphone or two

JBL publishes separate Encore 2 specifications for one- and two-wireless-microphone versions. The model name or a photograph from another retailer cannot establish the count. For duets, the exact package matters. The public JBL Store page we checked did not state the microphone count in its text.

Club 120 does not include microphones in JBL’s standard box list. Price the speaker, microphones, receiver and necessary cables as one system. If you already own a microphone, show the seller its model and receiver connector: “wireless” describes the link to the receiver, not guaranteed direct compatibility with any speaker.

Carrying and room placement

Encore 2 weighs 6.4 kg and is much shorter than Club 120. That matters if you put it away after each evening or take it to friends. Club 120 needs more vertical space; find a stable position that leaves walkways clear and controls within reach.

Amplifier power does not tell you how intelligible vocals will be in your room. For karaoke, first get clear speech without music, then add the backing track. If music masks the words, reduce its level rather than continually turning up the microphone.

JBL Partybox Club 120
JBL Partybox Club 120

Five checks before your first karaoke evening

First check the source: your phone, tablet or TV must send music to the speaker while keeping lyrics visible to the singer. Then set the voice level at low volume. Third, test both microphones if you plan duets. Fourth, walk around the singing area and check for dropouts. Finally, play a whole familiar song and assess the balance between voice and music.

Keep the microphone away from the speaker’s main output direction and do not point it at the drivers. If feedback occurs, immediately lower the microphone level and change placement. Heavy echo will not fix unclear vocals: start with a subtle effect and add more only after setting the balance.

Battery life, USB and choosing the complete setup

The 15- and 12-hour figures are manufacturer maxima. Volume, music and lighting affect the result. For Encore 2, JBL also specifies that USB file playback does not apply to the EMEA region. Do not plan on a USB drive as your only source without checking the regional version.

If you want to take out a speaker and sing a few songs at home, start with Encore 2 and the appropriate microphone package. For a larger music-party setup, compare Club 120 with all accessories included in the budget. If you are considering the newer generation, see our separate Club 120 versus PartyBox 130 guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are Encore 2 and Encore Essential 2 the same?

No, they are different model names. Do not automatically transfer Essential specifications or package contents to Encore 2, or vice versa.

Which is lighter?

Encore 2: 6.4 kg versus 11.05 kg for Club 120, according to JBL.

Will Encore 2 definitely include two microphones?

The name does not guarantee it: JBL offers one- and two-microphone versions. Confirm the count for your exact order.

Prices and availability in Moldova

Check the selected product page for current price, availability and package contents.

Related guides

Sources and methodology

Prepared by the WaveSound editorial team. Specifications checked against manufacturer documentation on 26 October 2026. Practical advice is editorial guidance; no comparative listening test was performed. Follow the manual for your exact equipment model.